Nectarine tree name ‘Burnectthirty’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  sub species  nuciperisica ), and which is denominated varietally as ‘Burnectthirty’, and which further produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, non-melting, acidic clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately May 18 to May 25 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Botanical designation: The present invention relates to a new, novel and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica (subspecies nucipersica).

Variety denomination: ‘Burnectthirty.’

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of available deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of prunus, malus, punica and regia species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling ‘Burnectthirty’ was originated by us from a population of seedlings grown in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were the result of a controlled cross made in February of 2007, of the yellow-fleshed nectarine tree, ‘Burnectwentytwo’ (U.S. Pat. No. 21,724), which was the seed parent; and the white-fleshed nectarine tree, ‘Burnectwentythree’ (U.S. Pat. No. 17,890) and which was used as the pollen parent. One seedling, identified as Q56.074, and which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2009 fruiting season, the new, present variety, was selected for advanced evaluation, and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations. We have observed fruit for the past 4 successive years from approximately 15 previously propagated trees.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burnectthirty’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which produces fruit that are considered of large size, and which further displays vigorous growth. This new nectarine tree variety is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, acidic, yellow fleshed, melting, clingstone fruit which have good flavor and eating quality. The tree of the present variety displays a medium chilling requirement of approximately 350 hours. Still further, the present tree also produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree. Additionally, the fruit produced by the present tree displays a very high degree of red skin coloration, a firm flesh, and further appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burnectthirty’ Nectarine tree also bears fruit which are ripe for commercial harvesting, and shipment, on approximately May 18 to May 25 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the seed parent, the new variety, ‘Burnectthirty’, ripens 7-10 days earlier. In relative comparison to the pollen parent, the ‘Burnectwentythree’ nectarine tree, the current new variety ripens 20 days earlier. In addition to the aforementioned distinctions, the current variety produces a yellow-fleshed nectarine which has a globose fruit form which is in contrast to the pollen parent, the ‘Burnectwentythree’ and which produces a white-fleshed and saucer shaped fruit. In relative comparison to the nectarine tree, ‘May Bright’ (U.S. Pat. No. 21,928), and which is the most similar commercial variety known to the breeders at this time, the new present variety is both larger in size and ripens 5 days earlier where grown under similar growing conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of the new variety of nectarine tree.

The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit displaying both apical and basal aspects, and one mature fruit which is dissected substantially in the equatorial plane, and is further viewed from the apical perspective. This photograph reveals the flesh and the stone characteristics of the new variety. The external coloration of the fruit, as shown in the photograph, is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, the photograph displays a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves; a sample piece of bark; and a typical stone, with the fleshed removed.

The colors in this photograph are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing, and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, fourth Edition, 2001) and the descriptions as provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty (either expressed or implied) that the present variety will in the future display all of the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed during the fourth fruiting season under the ecological conditions prevailing at our test orchards which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition), and which is provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

TREE

-   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered medium-large as compared to other             common commercial nectarine cultivars ripening in the early             season of maturity. -   Tree height: Approximately 305.0 cm. -   Canopy width: Approximately 300.0 cm. -   Vigor: Considered moderately vigorous. The present variety grew from     about 185.0 cm to 195.0 cm in height during the first growing     season. The new nectarine tree variety was pruned to a height of     approximately 175.0 cm during the first dormant season, and primary     scaffolds were then selected for the desired and resulting tree     structure. -   Productivity: Productive. Fruit set varies from 4.0 to several times     more than the desired crop load. The resulting fruit set is     determined, at least in part, by thinning of the tree to develop the     remaining fruit into the desired market sized fruit. The number of     the fruit set varies with prevailing climatic conditions, and the     cultural practices employed. -   Fruit bearing: Regular. Fruit set has been heavy, and significant     thinning was necessary during the past 4 years on the propagated     trees which were observed. -   Tree form: Extremely upright, and pruned to a vase shape. -   Tree density: Considered medium dense. It has been discovered that     pruning the branches from the center of the tree to obtain a     resulting vase shape allows for proper air movement in the tree, and     appropriate amounts of sunlight to be received so as to enhance the     resulting fruit color, and renewal of fruiting wood throughout the     canopy of the tree. -   Hardiness: The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA     Hardiness zone 9. -   Winter chilling requirements: The new tree requires approximately     350 hours of chilling below 7.0 degrees C. The variety also appears     to be hardy under typical Central San Joaquin Valley climatic     conditions.

TRUNK

-   Diameter: Approximately 15.0 cm in diameter when measured at a     distance of approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level, when this     was measured at the end of the fourth growing season. -   Bark texture: Considered moderately rough, with numerous folds of     papery scarfskin being present. -   Lenticels: Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The lenticels     range in size from approximately 5.0 to about 7.0 millimeters in     width, and from about 1.0 to about 2.0 millimeters in height. It     should be noted that as the cork (bark) of the trees mature, the     lenticels become less apparent and less abundant. -   Lenticel color: Considered an Orange Brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group     N167 A). -   Bark coloration: Variable, but it is generally considered to be     gray-brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 174 A).

BRANCHES

-   Size: Considered medium for the variety. -   Diameter: Average as compared to other nectarine tree varieties. The     branches have a diameter of about 7.5 centimeters when measured     during the fourth year after grafting. -   Surface texture: Average, and appearing furrowed on wood which is     several years old. -   Crotch angles: Primary branches are considered variable, and quite     acute when compared to the general growth habits that are displayed     by commercial varieties. The growth habit is not currently     considered a pillar/columnar form but is, rather, substantially     upright. Limb angles are approximately 60 to about 64 degrees from     the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is relatively     distinctive of the variety but can be influenced by ecological and     seasonal influences, and other cultural practices, however. -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous. -   Internode length: Approximately 2.4 to about 3.0 cm. This tree     characteristic is highly dependent upon plant nutrition, soil     quality, pruning and tree care and therefore is not distinctive of     the present variety. -   Color of mature branches: Medium brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange 165B). -   Current seasons shoots:     -   -   Color.—Light green, (RHS Green Group 137C). The color of the             new shoot tips is considered a bright and shiny green (RHS             Green Group 136B).

LEAVES

-   Size: Considered medium for the species. Leaf measurements have been     taken from vigorous, upright, current-season growth, at     approximately the mid-shoot. -   Leaf length: Approximately 146.0 to about 155.0 millimeters. -   Leaf width: Approximately 33.0 to about 38.0 millimeters. -   Leaf base shape: Slightly oblique relative to the leaf longitudinal     axis. -   Leaf form: Lanceolate. -   Leaf tip form: Considered acutus. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper surface.—Dark green, (approximately RHS Green Group             131B). -   Leaf texture: Glabrous. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Lower surface.—Medium green, (RHS Green Group 131C). -   Leaf venation: Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Color.—Light yellow green, (RHS Green Group 139B). -   Leaf margins: Slightly undulating.     -   -   Form.—Considered crenate.         -   Uniformity.—Considered generally uniform. -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species.         -   Length.—About 7.5 to about 9.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm.         -   Color.—Pale green, (RHS Yellow-Green Group 139C). -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—About 1.0 mm in height, and about 1.0 mm in width.         -   Number.—Generally one per side, occasionally two per side.         -   Type.—Reniform.         -   Color.—Orange brown, (RHS Greyed-Brown Group 199A). -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Size.—Medium for the variety.         -   Length.—Approximately 6.0 mm.         -   Width.—Approximately 1.2 mm.         -   Number.—Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip.         -   Form.—Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated margin.         -   Color.—Green, (RHS Green Group 141 B) when young, but             graduating to a brown color, (RHS Greyed-Orange group 165 A)             with advancing senescence. The stipules are considered to be             early deciduous.

FLOWER BUDS

-   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—The floral buds, depending upon the stage of             development, are approximately 12.0 millimeters wide; and             about 17.0 millimeters long; conic in form; and slightly             appressed relative to the bearing shoot. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Color.—The bud scales are reddish-brown, (approximately RHS             Greyed Purple Group 183 A). The buds are considered hardy             under typical central San Joaquin Valley climatic             conditions. -   Hardiness: No winter injury has been noted during the last several     years of evaluation in the central San Joaquin Valley. The current     variety has not been intentionally subjected to drought or heat     stress, and therefore this information is not available. The current     variety is considered to have a lower chill requirement in the     region where it currently is grown. It is possible for the new     variety to experience frost damage on either of the flowers or small     fruit due the early initiation of the blooming period, and the     subsequent exposure of the flowers or small fruit to the damaging     effects of the low temperatures during the late winter months after     the bloom.

FLOWERS

-   Date of first bloom: Feb. 12, 2013. -   Blooming time: Considered early season in relative comparison to     other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the central San     Joaquin Valley. -   Date of full bloom: This was observed on Feb. 21, 2013. The date of     bloom varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions, and     cultural practices. -   Duration of bloom: Approximately 10 days. This characteristic varies     slightly with climatic conditions. -   Flower class: Perfect, complete and perigynous. -   Flower type: The variety is considered to have a showy type flower. -   Flower size: The flower diameter at full bloom is approximately 45.0     to about 48.0 millimeters. -   Bloom quantity: Considered very abundant. -   Flower bud frequency: Normally 2 flower buds appear per node. Rarely     more than 3 buds per node are observed. -   Petal size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered very large for the species.         -   Length.—Approximately 20.0 to about 26.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 15.0 to about 20.0 millimeters. -   Petal form: Rotund to slightly ovate. -   Petal count: Generally 5 large petals are observed. In addition to     those previously described, there are often extra, smaller,     underdeveloped flower petals present particularly on younger trees. -   Petal texture: Glabrous. -   Petal color: Light pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 B) to a medium     pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 A). -   Fragrance: Slight. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered truncate in shape, and has a             large size when compared to other varieties.         -   Length.—Approximately 13.5 to about 15.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 12.0 to about 14.0 millimeters. -   Petal margins: Generally considered variable, from nearly smooth, to     moderately undulate. -   Petal apex:     -   -   Generally.—The petal apices generally appear entire with a             small apical groove.         -   Size.—Approximately 1.5 mm in length, and approximately 1.0             mm in width. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium-long, and having an average length             of approximately 7.5 to about 8.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—A pale green, (RHS Greyed-Green Group 194 B). -   Floral nectaries:     -   -   Color.—A reddish brown, (RHS Greyed-Red Group 178 B). -   Calyx:     -   -   Surface texture.—Generally glabrous.         -   Color.—A dull red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group             184 B). -   Sepals:     -   -   Surface texture.—The surface has a short, fine, pubescent             texture.         -   Number.—Generally always five.         -   Size.—Average.         -   Sepal length.—Approximately 3.5 mm to 5.0 mm.         -   Sepal width.—Approximately 3.0 mm to 4.5 mm.         -   Sepal shape.—A single entire deltoid shaped lobe is             observed.         -   Sepal margin.—Smooth, entire.         -   Sepal color.—A dark reddish purple, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Purple Group 183D). -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Large in size.         -   Color.—Red to reddish purple, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Purple Group 187C) prior to dehiscence. -   Pollen production: Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow color,     (approximately RHS Yellow Group 13 A). -   Fertility: Self fertile. -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 15.0 to about 19.0             millimeters in length.         -   Color.—Considered a pale pink, (RHS White Group 155 B). -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Normally 1, very rarely 2.         -   Generally.—Large in size.         -   Length.—Approximately 18.0 to about 22.0 millimeters             including the ovary.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green, (approximately RHS             Yellow-Green Group 145 C).         -   Surface texture.—The variety has a long glabrous pistil.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe).     -   -   Date of first picking.—May 18, 2013.         -   Date of last picking.—May 25, 2013. The date of harvest             varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large, and uniform. -   Average cheek diameter: Approximately 68.0 to about 72.0     millimeters. -   Average axial diameter: Approximately 69.0 to about 75.0     millimeters. -   Typical weight: Approximately 250.0 grams. This characteristic is     highly dependent upon currently employed cultural practices, and     therefore is not particularly distinctive of this new variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Rounded to slightly oblate. The fruit is             generally quite uniform in symmetry. -   Fruit suture: Relatively full. No apparent callousing or stitching     exists along the suture line. -   Suture:     -   -   Color.—The background color appears to be an orange yellow,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 16 B), with             occasional red coloration appearing (approximately RHS Red             Group 46 A). -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Full. -   Apex: Rounded. -   Base shape: Generally Retuse. -   Stem cavity shape: Rounded, centered, and relatively shallow in     depth. The average depth of the stem cavity is about 5.0 mm. The     average width of the stem cavity is about 15.0 mm. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered medium in thickness, and tenacious to             the flesh.         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Taste.—Slight astringency is detected.         -   Tendency to crack.—Cracking has not been observed. Russeting             has not been observed to date. -   Fruit skin color:     -   -   Blush color.—The blush color is variable from a medium red,             (approximately RHS Red Group 44 A) to a dark red,             (approximately RHS Red Group 46A). The blush color ranges             from about 85% to about 95% of the fruit surface depending             upon the sunlight exposure, and prevailing climate, canopy             development and growing conditions. -   Ground color: Generally a deep yellow, (approximately RHS     Yellow-Orange Group 16B). -   Fruit stem: Moderate in length, approximately 8.0 to about 10.0     millimeters.     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 2.0 to about 3.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Light tan, (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 164             C). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripening.—Considered generally even.         -   Texture.—Firm, and dense. Considered non-melting.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, and tender ones are apparent.         -   Aroma.—Slight.         -   Eating quality.—Considered good.         -   Flavor.—Considered sweet and acidic. The flavor is             considered pleasant.         -   Acidity.—Considered an acidic fruit. Titratable acidity of             about 0.9 was detected.         -   Juice production.—Abundant.         -   Brix.—About 13.0 degrees. This characteristic varies             slightly with the number of fruit per tree; the prevailing             cultural practices; and the surrounding climatic and             ecological conditions.         -   Flesh color.—Yellow, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group             17 D).

STONE

-   Type: Clingstone. -   Size: Considered medium large for the variety. The stone size varies     with the resulting crop load, and tree vigor, and therefore is not     considered a distinguishing characteristic of this new variety. -   Length: Average, about 24.0 to about 28.0 millimeters. -   Width: Average, about 20.0 to about 24.0 millimeters. -   Diameter: Average, about 18.0 to about 23.0 millimeters. -   Stone form: Obovoid. -   Stone base: The stone is relatively uniform in its margin relative     to the stone's vertical axis. -   Apex:     -   -   Shape.—The stone apex is relatively uneven with an acute             tip. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantial pitting is evident, in general,             from the base past the equatorial plane, and proceeding             apically until the peripheral grooves. Grooving is usually             observed along the pit margin near the tip and on the             ventral side.         -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally rounded.         -   Ventral edge.—Width — Considered medium, and having a             dimension of approximately 2.7 to about 3.0 millimeters when             measured at the mid-suture.         -   Dorsal edge.—Shape. — Full, heavily grooved, and having             somewhat irregular edges especially toward the apex. -   Stone color: The color of the dry stone is a tan (Greyed-Orange     Group approximately RHS 174 D). The stone as seen in the photo is     freshly exposed and the color can alter because of the effects of     oxidation as drying of the stone proceeds. -   Tendency to split: Rarely, splits have been noted. -   Kernel:     -   -   Generally.—The kernel, when the fruit is picking ripe, is             not completely mature when compared to kernels of fruit             varieties with a greater development period.         -   Length.—Approximately 15.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 10.0 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—Approximately 3.5 mm.         -   Form.—Considered ovoid.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—Considered to be a pale tan (Greyed-Yellow Group 160             C). -   Use: The subject variety ‘Burnectthirty’ is considered to be a     Nectarine tree which matures early in the season, and which produces     fruit, which are considered firm, attractively colored, flavorful,     and which are useful for both local and long distance shipping. -   Keeping quality: Excellent. Fruit has stored well for 28 days after     harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius. -   Shipping quality: Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree variety     showed minimal bruising of the flesh, or skin damage, after being     subjected to normal harvest and packing procedures. -   Resistance to insects and disease: No particular susceptibilities     were noted. The present variety has not been tested to expose or     detect any susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant and/or     fruit diseases. -   Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described     characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions     prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the central part of the San     Joaquin Valley of California, it should be understood that     variations of the usual magnitude and characteristics incident to     changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control     and horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety nectarine tree, what we claim is new and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored, yellow-fleshed, non-melting, and acidic clingstone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately May 18 to May 25 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 